Tax blunder hits New Orleans schools |
New Orleans school districts are grappling with a sudden $20m funding shortfall caused by district miscalculations in tax revenue projections. Initially unnoticed, these errors, now affecting October payments, have left school administrators in disarray, with potential losses of up to $900 per student. The budget drop compounds challenges posed by declining enrollment and the end of COVID relief funding, heightening fears of a financial "fiscal cliff." School leaders, including those from large networks like KIPP, warn that cuts could severely impact staffing, academic resources, and support for high-need students. In response, NOLA Public Schools, under Superintendent Avis Williams, has faced criticism for communication lapses and mismanagement, as charter school leaders demand clear explanations and corrective action. A third-party financial consultant, funded by New Schools for New Orleans, will be brought in to assist the district in stabilizing its finances and advising school leaders on managing the expected budget deficit.